South Korea lifts martial law amid political drama

New Delhi: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the lifting of martial law on Wednesday, just hours after imposing it in a late-night move. The reversal came after lawmakers in the National Assembly unanimously voted to block the measure.

President Yoon said he would respect the Assembly's decision: "Martial law troops have been withdrawn, and I will lift martial law through a cabinet meeting." The decision was confirmed by South Korea's cabinet, and the military has since disbanded its martial law command, according to Yonhap News Agency as reported by the media.

Several members of parliament, despite massive troops presence and barricades, rushed to the National Assembly, with some scaling fences or breaking through barricades to cast their votes. Protesters outside the Assembly, who had gathered to oppose martial law, celebrated its quick reversal.

The United States White House expressed relief at the president's decision to reverse it. Spokesperson of the White House, emphasising that democracy is central to the US-South Korea alliance. US military officials stated that there had been no changes to their posture in South Korea, where approximately 27,000 US troops are stationed.

Despite the resolution, political fallout looms. A group of about 40 lawmakers plans to propose impeachment proceedings against President Yoon as early as Wednesday, while others have called for his immediate resignation.

The events have sparked widespread disbelief among lawmakers and citizens, marking one of the most turbulent days in recent South Korean politics.